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Stolen van likely linked to fatal hit-and-run
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Investigators have identified a stolen vehicle they believe was involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a Port Hueneme man dead early Thursday morning, police said Friday.
David Pimentel, 66, of Port Hueneme was killed before sunrise Thursday when an unidentified motorist struck him while he while he was riding his bicycle in a bike lane on Surfside Drive in Port Hueneme.
Police found Pimentel after a passing motorist spotted his body about 5 a.m.
About four hours later, Oxnard police responding to a report of a stolen vehicle found a white Honda Odyssey with significant front-end damage in the 600 block of N. Ventura Road in Oxnard. The damage to the stolen vehicle and other evidence led police to believe it was involved in the fatal hit-and-run, said Det. Robert Albertson of the Port Hueneme Police Department.
Police were still searching Friday afternoon for the driver who hit Pimentel. They hope someone saw the vehicle or the driver Thursday between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. and can provide investigators with a lead.
Anyone with information about the van or the crash can call Sgt. Peter Freiberg at 986-6646. To give an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
Posted by Relvd98 on July 18, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, if only someone can help out in finding the person responsible for this. They have the possible vehicle, now let's find the possible idiot.
Posted by gman2398 on July 18, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope they catch this guy. Punishment should be, tie him to a bike and run him over.
Posted by imonlysayin on July 18, 2008 at 3:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
gman - amen!
Seriously though - I really hope someone comes forward with some helpful information to bring justice to the poor man who died. Such a senseless tragic death! And what a cowards way out for the people who hit him.
Posted by lilmamma on July 18, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It amazes me when Idiots like the this have a total disregard for life and what it is worth. Turn urself in and let this family grieve in peace.
Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on July 18, 2008 at 4:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wooo hoo! Thank god they found that, as Relv said "that idiot!!!!!!!!!"
Great, not only was it a stolen car, it was someone elses car (same thing, I know) but c'mon, a minivan? Prob some moms car lookin' to take her kids to school/daycare an this a.s.s does that?? Whatever, like I said in
Posted by rbmg on July 18, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's going to be another little 15 year old kid that ended a great mans life. What a shame! Parents watch your kids even when they are sapose to be asleep!! Or better yet check out the "friends" they hang out with, it may have been one of them!!SAD JUST SAD! Prayers to the family I hope they catch who ever did this...
Posted by turbochrg01 on July 18, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They found the car they think is involved in this terrible crime. How about the owner hit the man, then reports there car stolen! Maybe the person was on there way home from being out drinking and they hit the poor man and then relize what they had done, report the car stolen! It does happen.
Posted by BeaHappi on July 18, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who steals a mini-van? I mean really...a mini-van?
My suspicious mind tells me that there is something up with the "my van was stolen" story.
Whoever was driving - I hope that right now they are somewhere sick with guilt over what they did. If they had stayed or even called 911, Mr. Pimentel's family might not be mourning his loss.
God does not let you get away with something like that. Somewhere, somehow, they will pay the price for hitting someone and leaving.
Karma is a b***h!
Posted by dbergstrorm on July 18, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you baStard you son a b---- how could you leave him to die
Posted by ebrockway on July 18, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Happens all the time, can't prove it but may have seen something similar last night on Dawson Dr. Cop goes to the door of the registered owner, he's drunk, out of breath, and wanting to report his car "stolen". Trial of bodies, no problem, no conscience.
Hope if they did they get theirs in the end.
Posted by santabarbarasand on July 18, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Turbochrg01, that was my thought EXACTLY!! Too suspicious for me, sounds like a bunch of BS. I suppose that someone would steal a minivan if the keys were in it... sounds fishy and I am sure that the police will investigate the owner as well as look for other leads. At least I hope so!
Posted by goodday on July 18, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope their guilt is killing them right now!!
Posted by dbergstrorm on July 18, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That was my uncle you killed you a hole i hope you burn in hell
Posted by BeaHappi on July 18, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
dbergstrorm...I am so sorry for the loss of your uncle. Most sincere condolences to all of your family.
This is truly an outrage.
Posted by 805m0mma on July 18, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hopefully they are digging a little deeper then assuming it was randomly stolen...like when was this mini-van was reported stolen...were the keys in it??
condolences to the family.
Posted by justacitygirl on July 18, 2008 at 7:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree that we may find a kid behind this. Sometimes they steal a minivan and cruise with their friends to find rivals or some kind of trouble to get in to.
dbergstrom
I too am sorry for your loss
Posted by BiggestBrother on July 18, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My Granfather was hit and thrown God knows how many feet in the air and left for dead, luckily he survived. The a-hole that hit him was driving a brand new Chrysler Pt Cruiser, it happened on C st in Oxnard a few years back, he was taking his early bird morning walk.
Posted by BiggestBrother on July 18, 2008 at 9:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BTW, they never caught the bastard, my Grandfather was hospitalized for days but made a full recovery. I cant believe some people dont have a conscious.
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